I have officially been home from Copenhagen for a week! My time abroad has been nothing short of life-changing. My time in Copenhagen was more than just an academic adventure; it was a chapter of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and immense personal growth. Being fully immersed in the Scandinavian culture meant living with local Danish students, commuting to my lab via bike, and embracing Danish ‘hygge”.
From the moment I arrived, Copenhagen’s unique blend of traditional living and architecture with the juxtaposition of modern buildings and lifestyles. The Danish concept of “hygge,” which emphasizes coziness and contentment, became a cornerstone of my daily life. Whether it was enjoying a traditional Danish breakfast in a quaint cafe, cycling through the city’s streets, or enjoying a quiet evening playing card games with friends, I learned to appreciate the simple, yet profound, joys of life.
Living abroad, away from the comforts of home, taught me the importance of self-reliance. Navigating a new city, managing daily tasks in a foreign language, and adapting to different social norms were initially daunting. These struggles came to fruition when trying to assimilate into the daunting biking culture. Never before have I seen so many bikers in one place. However, these challenges gradually empowered me, forming a sense of independence I hadn’t known. I learned to trust my instincts, make decisions confidently, and embrace uncertainty. These growths helped me when later when I took a two-week backpacking journey by myself around many European cities.
Studying in Copenhagen was an academic adventure that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. The Danish education system, with its emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application, was a change from my previous experiences. It had been before the Covid-19 pandemic in which I last worked in a group setting, forcing me to uncover my collaborative skills. Group projects, interactive lectures, and real-world laboratory practical exercises honed my skills and expanded my knowledge beyond the basis of stem cells and genetic modification.
Despite the immense growth I gained in my hands on lab skills and techniques, I feel as though the biggest academic takeaway I had from my time abroad is the work-life balance instilled in Denmark. While discussing life as a scientific research professional with my professor, she mentioned the importance of the work-life balance that she has in Denmark. She is able to take her kids to school in the morning, and be able to pick them up in the afternoon without compromising her successful career. As a women in science, I always believed that I would have to choose between a successful career and a family. And in my head, my career would have always come first. Science is my passion and what I love in life. Yet, during my time abroad, I learned that this is not something that I should ever be told I need to compromise. A healthy balance between success and family is obtainable.
